Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s opening two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau as he continues his recovery from a muscle strain.
The Nigeria national team confirmed the development on Sunday, stating that the Galatasaray forward remains unavailable for the upcoming fixtures.
Osimhen was initially included in coach Éric Chelle’s 24-man squad after hopes that he would recover in time to feature for Galatasaray before the international break.
However, his continued absence from Galatasaray’s league fixture against Trabzonspor confirmed that the striker had not regained full fitness.
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The 27-year-old sustained the injury during Galatasaray’s 3–2 victory over Istanbul Başakşehir earlier this month, where he scored before being substituted after 33 minutes. Medical examinations subsequently revealed a strain in his right adductor muscle.
Nigeria will host Madagascar on September 25 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for the second qualifier on September 29.
Osimhen’s absence means Chelle will have to rely on other attacking options as the Super Eagles begin their campaign for a place at the 2027 AFCON finals.
The Super Eagles wished the Galatasaray forward a speedy recovery as he continues his rehabilitation.